In a place where taco trucks in gas station parking lots coexist with upscale restaurants with mile-long wine lists, choosing the best lunch in Los Angeles seems like it would be an impossible task. Alas, we narrowed down our favorites and now it’s your turn to vote for the most delicious lunch spots in the following categories:
- Mediterranean
- Indian
- Asian
- Mexican
- American
Foodies, this is your chance to let us know which restaurants make your taste buds do a happy dance! Once winners have been established in all categories, we’ll hold another vote to determine the Single Best Lunch in all of Los Angeles.
Best Mediterranean
Kabab & More – There are a billion places to eat in DTLA, but only one that serves traditional Persian dishes and other Middle Eastern fare in a fast-casual dining space. Grilling up the best tasting kababs in Los Angeles since 2003, Kabab & More will satisfy your every craving for meat on a stick.
Ej’s Bites – A relative newbie on the Los Angeles lunch scene, Ej’s Bites opened its doors in 2015 with a goal of bringing, fast, healthy, and convenient food to DTLA. With pita pockets, salads and bowls brimming with high-quality proteins, fresh veggies and “secret sauce,” Ej’s Bites is the perfect place for a healthy mid-day meal.
Best Indian
Urban Masala – Urban Masala offers Indian staples like Chicken Tikka Masala and Palak Paneer in a casual, counter-service venue. What makes it stand out in the saturated Hollywood lunch scene? Its variety of fresh-to-order menu options that can be prepared as a plate, bowl, salad, or naan wrap. Choose your own adventure.
India Jones – Any doubts over whether a food truck can produce the delicious, home-cooked flavors of authentic Indian cuisine go out the window after a meal from India Jones. They serve up the usual suspects – curries, naan and samosas – from a mobile eatery as bold as its menu offerings. Catch them if you can!
Rasoi Curry Point – Situated in an unassuming strip mall, Rasoi Curry Point offers an extensive menu of spiced-to-order Indian cuisine served in a snug, casual atmosphere. With fresh ingredients and natural spices separately prepared for each dish, this is the hole-in-the-wall Indian food that dreams are made of.
Best Asian
New Moon Café – When your goal is to keep your wallet as full as your grumbling belly, look no further than New Moon Café. This casual Chinese eatery is known for its affordable menu of traditional Asian dishes like Kung Pao Chicken and Egg Fu Young re-imagined for the contemporary palate.
Simpang Asia – Treat your taste buds to the bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine at Simpang Asia. The menu may seem intimidating to first-timers, but those who are adventurous enough to order something they can’t pronounce will be rewarded with authentic food made from scratch with the freshest ingredients.
Sushi Koo – Where do you go when you’re craving fresh, affordable sushi on the go? Hopefully, it’s Sushi Koo. This clean and casual eatery offers the best (and portable) Japanese cuisine for the Angeleno on a budget. No matter what you get, make sure to give it a good drizzle of the spicy mayo – trust us.
Best Mexican
Tacos and Co. –Tacos and Co. prides itself on serving the most authentic Mexican food in Southern California. With a menu inspired by the stands and rural kitchens of Mexico, this Orange County eatery provides a taste of centuries-old cuisine prepared with the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients.
My Taco Guy – When you’re hungry for Mexican, only the best will do. My Taco Guy delivers with high-quality meats, homemade tortilla chips and fresh ingredients that will make your head spin. Top off your culinary creation with a selection of salsas, grilled peppers and onions, cilantro and lime for a lunch you’ll never forget.
La Flor De Yucatan – La Flor De Yucatan serves up a delicious medley of Mayan cuisine, baked goods and daily specials from its homey café in Pico-Union. Originally a bakery, this family-owned eatery has expanded its menu over the years to include Yucatanean food and now boasts the “Best Cochinta Taco in L.A.”
Best American
Auntie Em’s Kitchen – Just as we assume its namesake would, Auntie Em’s Kitchen serves up rustic, home-style cooking from the heart. Cozy and laidback, this Eagle Rock eatery offers delicious comfort food made from local farmers’ market vendors as well as cupcakes, tarts and other goods baked in-house daily.
Food Fair by Diego – Didn’t pack your lunch? Food Fair by Diego offers the next best thing with fresh, homemade dishes served with a smile. Whether you’re craving Roasted Garlic Chicken (just like mom used to make) or a Mixed Green & Quinoa Salad, this all-American eatery has something for everyone.
Carvery Kitchen – A sandwich always tastes better when someone else makes it for you. This is especially true at Carvery Kitchen in Santa Monica, where you’re choosing from mouthwatering menu items like the Most Wanted Brisket & Cheese, Mongolian Pulled Pork Dip, and Pesto Salmon with a Kick.
